I have just started taking lessons with Don Skoog of the Contemporary Music Project, in Oak Park, IL.Don has been running a trip to Mexico each year to study with Roberto Vizcaino Guillot, but I was very happy to see that the program will be taking place in Oak Park this year. I plan to attend and look forward to a productive summer.Hit the link below for more info...

For the last five years, The Contemporary Music Project has been conducting a Latin percussion program in Morelia Mexico. This year, we are moving it to Oak Park, IL!

Cuba in Chicago will bring some of the world’s best-known Latin percussionists together with a talented group of students to study the instruments, rhythms and history of Cuban music. There is no other program of this quality anywhere in the Midwest.

I am familiar with Michael and Jesus from congamasterclass.com. It appears Michael has been part of Contemporary Music Project's "Cuba in Mexico" program for a number of years, and has also been available in Chicago for workshops occasionally. I will most likely be working with Colin or Jesus, but will still have a chance to learn from all of them in the master classes.

Jesus Diaz really is an incredible guy, very personable. I've had the chance to see him play a couple of times from formal gigs to parties. A close friend of mine was taking personal classes with him as well.

Cuba in Chicago kicked off this morning. Really enjoyed studying with Colin Douglas today, and his master class was clear and practical.Also took an afternoon private lesson with Michael Spiro... priceless and I thank him for his patience. Looking forward to his bata master class, and a private lesson with Jesus Diaz tomorrow.

Colin covered adding timbales to a set to cover other percussion parts... gr8 stuff!